Amer Abu Shakra
School: University of Toronto
Revenue: $225,000 (year 1) + $500,000 (year 2)
Years as an Operator: 2
The idea behind Student Works was to create an opportunity to learn more about business and life in one summer than previously possible.
Building skills for
tomorrow, today.
What kind of summer can your child expect?
A busy one.
A challenging one.
A rewarding one.
Running a business isn’t easy—but then again, most things worth doing aren’t. The idea behind Student Works is to create a unique opportunity where students can learn more about business and life in one summer than they might otherwise experience in years. It’s a chance to earn money, but more importantly, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and gain real-world experience that will give motivated students an edge over their peers.
The proof is in the results
Our results speak for themselves. After three decades of teaching the practical skills of entrepreneurship, the impact of the Management Program is crystal clear.
The study was commissioned to examine the impact of the management role in Student Works Painting on the careers of Alumni after graduation from University or College. The study was open to all past Student Works Painting Alumni with at least five years of post graduate career experience. The total number of alumni responses was 125, which qualifies the data for a statistically valid study.
What types of support will we provide for our students?
We’re with them every step of the way, from finding customers and hiring employees to completing jobs and managing profits. In their first summer, Student Works Managers typically earn between $12,000 and $25,000 in profit.
A Proven Business Framework
With 38 years of experience, over 7,000 successful student-run businesses, and $400 million in revenue, we’ve refined a step-by-step system for running a business. This framework empowers students to take charge and gain hands-on experience in a secure, supportive environment.
All Required Business Materials & Paperwork
Our team provides students with everything needed to run their business efficiently, including administrative support to ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and the process remains streamlined.
Development Conferences & In-Depth Seminars
Selected applicants, whom we refer to as Managers, participate in regional conferences where they are taught essential business skills and processes needed to successfully run their own service business. From marketing and sales to recruiting top talent and mastering time management, every core skill is covered.
In Class Training
- 3 Day Business Training Conference (January)
- 2 Remote Sales/Marketing Trainings in February (Online – half day)
- 1 Day Production Training (March)
- 1 Day Advanced Profit Training (End of May)
- 2 Remote Profit/Production Trainings in June/July (Online- half day)
Field Training Completed by Their Coach!
- Learning how to market and communicate with clients
- Selling to customers and booking their first projects
- Multi-day production training after exams in April
- Production launches and follow-up days
1-on-1 Mentorship & Support
Managers are paired with an experienced business coach and mentor who offers guidance through every step of the season. These mentors work alongside them in the field, supporting both their business operations and personal growth.
- 1 on 1 mentorship with an experienced SWMP Coach
- Weekly Business Review Meetings
- Unlimited Communication (Our best students, ask the most for help!)
Frequently asked questions
How will my child be able to balance the program and school?
The required time commitment is 15-20 hours per week from late January till the end of the winter semester in April. With their business coach, each student will be supported by building better time management skills, using a calendar frequently, and developing their skills when it comes to executing with school AND running a business. When they have exams or midterms, we expect less time for business because we know school is a priority for our students.
How do they make money?
Like any business, your child will make money through their clients from projects they complete with them. Every student in our program will have these expenses; employee payroll, materials, marketing, admin, and licensing fees. The average business profit for a Student in our program last year was over $25,000 in net profit. Now, there is no guarantee. This will be dependent on the ability of each student to come into the program, use our systems and coaching, and put in the time weekly.
Why choose this over an internship or co-op?
We know the job market is highly competitive. What makes a student stand out from their peers? One of the reasons why we have a 96% placement rate when students graduate is because of the high-level skills they develop as business leaders. Nowadays, everyone has a bachelor’s degree, but not everyone can say they’ve run a successful business while being a student. Skills such as project management, sales, marketing, recruiting, leadership, and time management are sought after and not something the average student gets to learn while in school, even at the best co-ops or internships. Your student is going to get REAL experience with mentorship. They will not be delivering coffees, and sitting behind a desk handling beginner level tasks here!
How would Student Works set them up for future success?
We don’t only care about their business success and school success. We care about them and their development to be an amazing leader in Canada. The coaching and development in the Student Works Management Program is for their whole life. Whether they want coaching around their health, social life, mindset, or financial literacy, we teach students how to be the best version of themselves so graduating isn’t scary. Instead, they have the confidence to achieve anything in life. A big focus for the program is for students to build excellent relationships with very driven young adults, this is a big part in shaping their community and network for the better as they head into the job market.
What does the upfront money go towards?
The initial manager deposit ($300 + tax) goes towards securing their spot in the program when they are accepted, which is also refundable at the end of the year. During the winter semester, your child will be spending money on travel (to and from clients’ homes and marketing sessions), some equipment (buying ladders and roof racks for the jobs), and marketing costs (Facebook ads, door-to-door marketing, etc.). We find those out of pocket expenses through out the year usually add up to $2000 – $3000 for the average student.
Video podcasts
Jamie-Lee Bongard
School: Western University
Years as an Operator: 2
Years as a Coach: 2
